Types of alarm in buildings
![]() |
An alarm is a device that makes a loud sound or other indication as a warning or signal.
In the construction industry, alarms are typically used to alert people to potential danger or damage. There are several different types of building alarm, including:
- Accessible toilet alarm: Allows occupants to call for assistance.
- Carbon monoxide detector: Electrochemical sensing technology sounds an alarm if carbon monoxide is detected. Many carbon monoxide alarms are combined with smoke alarms in one device.
- Deterrence alarm: A high-pitched sound that is particularly audible to younger people, can be used as a form of hostile architecture.
- Fire alarm: Gives early warning of developing fires to enable evacuation.
- Flood alarm: Senses the presence of water and can provide early warning of leaks, i.e. in pipework or boilers.
- Intruder alarm: Detects attempted intrusion or unauthorised entry into a building, room, site or secure installation and triggers a response. Some burglar alarms are simple auditory warnings, while others are linked to surveillance cameras, light systems, and remote monitoring by security companies.
- Heat alarm: Have fixed-temperature elements and respond to the temperature of the fire gases in the immediate vicinity of the heat alarm.
- Lift emergency alarm: Sounds an alarm in the event of a passenger lift breakdown to alert personnel.
- Multi-sensor alarm: Detect more than one fire phenomena, for example optical and heat detection.
- Smoke alarm: Can be optical (detect the scattering or absorption of light within the detector chamber) or ionisation (more sensitive to smoke containing small particles such as rapidly burning flaming fires but are less sensitive to steam).
In August 2019, BRE reported that more than £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms. These losses are due largely to the disruption and loss of productivity in businesses. An earlier research project estimated that each false alarm costs businesses on average around £2.9k. For more information see: Over 1 billion lost every year due to false alarms.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems, an introductory guide to components and systems BR 510.
- BS 5839-1: Fire detection and fire alarm system for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation and commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises.
- Carbon monoxide alarm.
- Emergency services.
- False alarm.
- Fire detection and alarm system (FDAS).
- Heat alarm.
- Intelligent multi-sensor alarm.
- Interlinked fire alarm safety laws in Scotland.
- Intruder alarm.
- Ionisation smoke alarm.
- Multi sensor alarm.
- New requirements for fire detection and alarm network systems IP 12 13.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Over 1 billion lost every year due to false alarms.
- Smoke alarm.
- Visual alarm devices - their effectiveness in warning of fire.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.